Associate Education Ombuds (Part-Time)



Associate Education Ombuds (Part-Time)

Salary

$25,000.00 - $30,000.00 Annually

Location

King County – Other, WA

Job Type

Part Time - Non-Permanent

Job Number

2021-11666

Department

Office of the Governor

Division

Office of the Education Ombuds

Opening Date

10/19/2021

Closing Date

Continuous

Description


Note: This recruitment will remain open until we fill the position. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision at any time, which is why it’s in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. We will review the first batch of applications on October 29, 2021, and will review additional applications each week until we fill the position.

*Note:  This position requires that the candidate work two consistent full-time days each week (0.4 FTE). This position is fully remote/telework.

Special Note: This position is exempt from civil service rules.
For more information, please see WAC 357-19-195.

What this job is about
The Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so that every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools.

The Associate Education Ombuds supports the Office of the Education Ombuds’ intake and conflict resolution process through case intake and assignment, sharing information and coaching. You will co-lead an important triage process for specific cases and work with other assigned ombuds on these issues. This position will be fully remote and supports telework options. 

About the Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Office of the Education Ombuds is a statewide agency within the Governor’s Office that informally resolves disputes between families and K-12 public schools; promotes family and community engagement in education through outreach, trainings and informational materials; and makes recommendations to policymakers to improve the public education system. For more information, visit our website a. We are committed to anti-racism, anti-ableism, and social justice and work to create a team and workplace that respects and values difference. We are also committed to equal opportunity employment.
 
What will you be doing? 
  • Receive and analyze concerns from stakeholders and help with issues outside of OEO’s strategic plan.
  • Co-lead OEO’s intake and triage process two days per week. 
  • Collaborate with families, students, educators, the Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, education-related organizations, school districts, advocacy groups, tribal leaders, public officials and other people involved in K-12 education. 
  • Monitor legislative and policy issues related to K-12 education. 
  • Provide information, referrals, coaching, and brief consultations for issues outside of OEO’s strategic plan.
  • Conduct law and policy research and keep case records using OEO’s database. 
  • Consult with other ombuds and the director while preserving the confidentiality of communications. 
  • Serve as an alternate on statewide committees, as needed. 
  • Serve as an OEO spokesperson at community events and with community-based organizations, including conducting outreach, as time allows. 
Required Skills and Knowledge 
  • Two years’ experience supporting educational equity or social service programs. 
  • Strong interviewing and interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure with clients in crises to listen actively, help callers frame issues and questions, problem-solve in real time and de-escalate conflict.
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook), and the ability to learn new software applications such as OEO’s current database ServiceNow. 
Required Abilities
  • Desire and ability to work with diverse clients and colleagues with respect to socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, culture, abilities, languages and interests. 
  • Interact independently with callers in a sensitive, respectful and responsive manner. 
  • Willingness to follow confidentiality requirements to ensure and protect client information. 
  • Conduct independent research and present results in plain language while responding to family and student needs and perspectives. 
  • Work independently and as a team member. 
  • Organize and prioritize complex demands and be a self-starter in completing tasks. 
  • Build collaborative and trusting working relationships with community groups, public school officials and families across the state. 
Desired Qualifications
  • Bilingual or multilingual in languages common in our client communities. 
  • Master’s degree, MSW, JD, EDD, Ph.D. or other advanced degree, or related work experience in dispute resolution. 
  • Two years’ experience conducting outreach to client communities, especially within OEO’s strategic plan. 
Condition of Employment:
 
On Aug. 9, 2021, Gov. Jay Inslee issued Proclamation 21-14 that requires all employees of executive cabinet agencies to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine, by Oct. 18, 2021, as a condition of your employment. Pursuant to this mandate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination as a part of the hiring process. Your vaccination status will be verified at New Employee Onboarding. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes.
 
Application Process
How to Apply
 
Interested? We would love to hear from you. Click “Apply” at the top of this page to start your application (you can save the application and come back to it, if needed). Please include the following:
 
 
  1. A letter of interest that describes your specific qualifications.
  2. A current resume that details your applicable experience and education.
  3. A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
 
We will directly contact the top candidates to interview for this position. Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the required and desirable qualifications we described above.
  
Questions? 
 
For questions about this recruitment or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email William Penzo at ofmhr@ofm.wa.gov or call him at (360) 791-3716. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
 
The Office of the Governor is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodations or help in the application process, or who wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, you may call 360-725-0158 or dial 711 to reach the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf system.
 


More than Just a Paycheck!
 
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

 
Read about our benefits:
 
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
 
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
 
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to twelve* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Juneteenth
June 19

Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
Social Security
 
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

01
I understand that to be employed with the Office of Financial Management, I must be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccination by Oct. 18. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes. Are you willing to accept and comply with this condition of employment?
  • Yes, I comply.
  • No, I do not comply.
02
I have two years of professional experience in supporting educational equity or social service programs.
  • Yes.
  • No.
03
If you selected "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience supporting educational equity or social service programs. Please provide as much detail as possible. If you selected "No", please type "N/A" in the text box below.
04
I have strong interviewing and interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure with clients in crises to listen actively, help callers frame issues and questions, problem-solve in real time and de-escalate conflict.
  • Yes.
  • No.
05
If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please describe your experience supporting educational equity or social service programs. If you selected "No", please type "N/A in the text box below.
06
I am proficient in the Microsoft Office suite of tools, with emphasis in Word, Excel and Outlook. I also have the ability to learn new software applications such as OEO's current database, ServiceNow.
  • Yes.
  • No.

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
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